How Wellbeing Programs Improve Employee Health

Vindicated! That’s how we at WorkScore feel after some of the latest research shows just how effective workplace wellbeing programs are. Employees are clamouring for a program if they don’t have one and they're even willing to spend more time on their wellness.

With over 12,000 people having completed the WorkScore survey so far, there is still more room for national health and wellbeing improvement.

According to the survey, workers’ health improved in three ways when a wellbeing program was introduced. First, their motivation to look after their health improved. Second, workers’ enjoyed healthier weight. Finally, employers and employees benefited from fewer sick days.

Its not just these survey participants that enjoy results like this and so we’ve rounded up examples of how other companies enjoyed the same results, all thanks to their wellbeing program.

Improved motivation

Australia’s intellectual property rights group, IP Australia, grew concerned after they found out a large number of employees have high cholesterol, stress and body mass index. After launching a holistic wellbeing program, their workers are now more conscious of making healthy lifestyle choices that impact their physical and mental wellness.

A wellbeing program can undoubtedly shift the mindset of your workers to one that’s health-focused.

Healthier bodies

Workplace wellness programs have a consistent record of improving diet and physical activity which lead to better weight management.

In the US, Draper Inc, as part of their wellbeing offering, opened a wellness park with space for employees to workout or play sports. They also provide employees with useful tools, programs and competitions to help their people manage their weight. The result? They’re considered one of America’s healthiest workplaces.

Do proceed with caution around weight loss. We recommend a holistic approach to diet and physical activity rather than a focus on shedding kilos. Being healthy is no about your employees’ shape or size.

Fewer sick days

When Centrelink noticed a spike in unscheduled leave taken and workers’ compensation claims, they knew they had a severe wellness problem. Their solution? A wellbeing program which covered everything from mental and spiritual wellness to physical activity, personal development and even financial wellbeing!

Thanks to the program, they reaped a $250,000 reduction in workers’ compensation claims and a 33 per cent decrease in unscheduled absences. A healthier workforce also meant engagement, productivity and customer satisfaction rates shot up.

Put simply, workplace wellbeing programs work. They result in a healthier workforce and more productive business.